Dr. Anuraag Guglaani: A Trailblazer in Family Business Transformation and Philanthropy
The journey from being an aspirational fighter jet pilot to a renowned family business doctor and Entrepreneur – Investor, who believes in creating wealth through business, for utilization in the upliftment of women and youth empowerment coupled with entrepreneurship enhancement and employment generation.
In the realm of exceptional individuals, there exists Dr. Anuraag Guglaani—a visionary leader, a catalyst for change, and a passionate advocate for transformation and philanthropy. With a multitude of prestigious awards and accolades to his name, Dr. Guglaani is leaving an indelible mark on the world through his remarkable achievements and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.
“Well I take pride in being known as a renowned “Business Doctor” who sits on the Board of Multiple large family business groups, steering their growth, transformation and sustenance and am also an entrepreneur invested in couple of businesses, while being the Managing Partner & CEO of Wazir Advisors, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.” -Dr. Anuraag Guglaani
During my youth, I got trained at the world’s top military officer’s training academy to fulfill my aspiration of becoming a Fighter Jet Pilot with the Air force. Apart from my armed forces officer’s training, I also have a Ph.D. in Family business transformation, Doctorate in Technology governance, Doctorate in Humanitariasm (hc), MBA in Finance & Marketing, EMBA in leadership and Management , Fellowship of Chartered Institute of Management and Leadership( FCIML) , Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and am a CISM ( Certified Information Security Manager), CDPSE ( Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer) & CGEIT ( Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT),
I am also involved with the public sector for policy formulation and advisory, and am an avid speaker at multiple global forums and universities on the topics of leadership, business, investments, entrepreneurship, and transformation.
You have built profitable, scalable, and sustainable businesses across 24 industries in 26 countries. Please share your background.
Certainly. My journey spans over three decades, during which I’ve had the privilege of operating across 24 industries and 26 countries, primarily in the Middle East, Africa, South West Asia, and the United States. My career began with a vision of driving impactful transformations, and over time, I’ve specialized in turning around family businesses and SMEs, helping them achieve profitability, scalability, and sustainability.
As a Group CEO, Board Member, Director and Senior Partner, I’ve led organizations of about 5000 team members with turnovers reaching up to a billion USD. My work revolves around designing and executing strategies for business expansion, mergers and acquisitions, and operational transformation, while integrating cutting-edge technologies like automation and cybersecurity to enhance efficiency and governance.
My expertise isn’t confined to just numbers; I believe in the power of people. I’ve always advocated for diverse perspectives on leadership teams, ensuring a balance of experienced professionals, youth, and women at the decision-making table. This approach has driven innovation and sustainable growth.
I draw from a diverse educational background and early military training to become an Air Force Fighter Jet Pilot, which instilled discipline and resilience in my leadership style. Today, as a Board Member across multiple large Family Business Groups, I focus on mentoring organizations and leaders, emphasizing adaptability and innovation, to thrive in dynamic global markets. It’s not just about managing businesses but inspiring them to redefine success and set new benchmarks.
Tell us about 2024 and how you have been a catalyst for change.
In 2024, my efforts have centered on being a catalyst for change by focusing on sustainable business practices and transformational growth. Sustainability has become more than a buzzword—it’s a necessity for long-term profitability, global relevance, and resilience in an unpredictable market environment.
This year, I’ve worked with family businesses, SMEs, and startups across multiple countries to align their operations with sustainable and scalable practices. My approach includes integrating innovative technologies such as AI, automation, and digital governance to optimize productivity while reducing environmental and operational inefficiencies.
One of my most fulfilling initiatives has been supporting foodtech and agritech companies to balance profitability with ecological stewardship. From introducing precision agriculture methods to helping businesses adopt circular economy principles, I’ve helped organizations scale without compromising the planet’s future.
Another major focus has been talent development. In 2024, I’ve actively championed diverse leadership teams that prioritize gender equality and the inclusion of youth perspectives. I’ve also participated in global panels and forums to emphasize how sustainable business isn’t just about environmental goals but also about fostering innovation, talent retention, and creating resilient ecosystems.
Sustainable business isn’t optional—it’s a competitive advantage. Companies that prioritize sustainability are more adaptable, attract better investments, and create deeper connections with their stakeholders. My goal has been to guide businesses to see that sustainability and profitability aren’t conflicting goals but complementary paths to success. This vision has been the foundation of my work in 2024, positioning organizations to thrive in a future that values impact as much as it values income.
You are known as the “Business Doctor.” What does this mean?
Being called the “Business Doctor” stems from my ability to diagnose, treat, and revitalize businesses facing challenges, much like a doctor does for a patient. It’s a role where I step into organizations that may be struggling with profitability, scalability, or direction and work closely with leadership teams to identify the root causes of their issues.
The process starts with a thorough “diagnosis”—analyzing the organization’s structure, market position, operations, and financial health. Much like uncovering symptoms in a patient, I identify inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and underlying risks that hinder growth.
Next, I design a “treatment plan” tailored to the business’s unique needs. This could involve restructuring operations, creating new revenue streams, or implementing strategies for innovation and expansion. Sometimes, it’s about introducing digital transformation, integrating automation, or improving leadership alignment. The key is to deliver solutions that are both sustainable and measurable.
Finally, I work on the “rehabilitation” phase, ensuring the changes stick. This involves mentoring teams, streamlining processes, and building a strong foundation for future growth. My involvement is hands-on and personal, going beyond just giving advice—I actively participate in the turnaround, becoming a partner in the organization’s success.
The title “Business Doctor” reflects my commitment to not only solving immediate problems but also creating businesses that are healthier, more resilient, and prepared for long-term growth. It’s about transforming challenges into opportunities and empowering organizations to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.
You received the “Presidential Lifetime Achievement award” from the US President’s Office. What makes America great?
Receiving the US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award was an immense honor and a reflection of the incredible opportunities that America provides for growth, innovation, and global impact. What makes America truly great is its culture of resilience, innovation, and the ability to embrace diversity—not just in people but in ideas and industries. It’s a country built on entrepreneurial spirit, where visionaries and dreamers are empowered to create groundbreaking solutions.
Working with American businesses is particularly significant because the U.S. sets the global standard for business practices, technology, and leadership. Collaboration with American organizations opens doors to a wealth of expertise, resources, and networks that can propel businesses to international success. U.S. companies are leaders in innovation, with a strong focus on research and development, and their commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility is shaping the future of global commerce.
Furthermore, America’s economic dynamism is unparalleled. It fosters an environment where businesses of all sizes—startups, SMEs, and global giants—can thrive and scale. The country’s emphasis on strategic partnerships and fostering talent creates unparalleled opportunities for cross-border collaboration, which I’ve found essential in driving transformational growth.
My work with American businesses has allowed me to bring global best practices to regions like the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, while also helping U.S. companies enter and succeed in these emerging markets. This cross-pollination of knowledge and innovation strengthens economies and creates a positive impact far beyond national borders.
Ultimately, America’s greatness lies in its ability to inspire and lead by example. For me, being part of that legacy—both in receiving recognition and working alongside American businesses—reaffirms the importance of collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision for sustainable progress.
What are your current projects and speaking engagements.
Currently, I am involved in several impactful projects and speaking engagements, focusing on areas like business transformation, innovation, and sustainability:
- Recent Speaking Engagements
- Data Center, Riyadh: I recently spoke on “The Future of Data Center Jobs: Will Automation Lead to Job Losses, or Can We Upskill the Workforce?”The session explored the ethical considerations of automation and strategies to create opportunities in an evolving tech landscape.
- AIM Summit Dubai: I attended a private roundtable on the “State of Global Sovereign Deficit & its Impact on the Global Economy,”with Kevin McCarthy, sharing insights from my work with family business groups and strategies to navigate economic shifts.
- Green Shoots Startup Programme: As part of the jury for a startup competition, I evaluated innovative ventures disrupting traditional business models and provided feedback to foster their growth.
- Symbiosis Inspire Series, Dubai: I was invited as a guest speaker to inspire MBA students, sharing my journey and lessons learned while scaling businesses globally.
- IGF Forum, Dubai: I was invited to speak on the topic of Disruption caused by AI and for a private forum with the UAE Minister of AI on Family Office Wealth Management.
- Business Transformation Projects
- Family Business Revitalization: I’m currently working with multiple large family business groups to transform their business. The focus includes improving revenue, brand positioning, hiring, retention, and productivity.
I am also involved in building new verticals in strategy, transformation, and technology governance across Auditing, Accounting, Tax , Law and Consulting firms.
- Sustainable Retreat Initiative: I’m collaborating with a holistic wellness ashram in India, to create retreat packages for professionals focusing on gut and mind health. This project combines sustainability and well-being with innovative marketing strategies.
- Innovation and Technology Initiatives
- AI for SMEs and Family Businesses: I’m participating in forums to discuss the integration of AI and digital tools in traditional business ecosystems to enhance efficiency, profitability, and scalability.
- Startup Mentorship: Through a proprietary program, I mentor startups aiming to disrupt conventional family business models, providing them with resources, networks, and investment to scale globally.
- Content and Thought Leadership
- I actively create content on platforms like LinkedIn, where I engage with a 23,000+ follower base. My posts focus on leadership, business transformation, and innovation, sparking meaningful discussions and inspiring change.
- I’m developing guest blogs and email marketing campaigns to expand my reach and establish myself further as a thought leader in consulting and business transformation.
These engagements reflect my commitment to driving meaningful conversations and impactful solutions that align with my expertise in building profitable, scalable, and sustainable businesses worldwide.
